The Gauteng City-Region Observatory, based in South Africa, presents an informative video about Green Infrastructure and transforming the urban environment to promote sustainable development and disaster resilience. Check out the video above

News

'Forest cities': The radical plan to save China from air pollution

By 2020, we may be able to see the first forest city in China. Italian architect Stefano Boeri, who was famed for his Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) skyscraper complex in Milan, unveiled a similar project for the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing. Furthermore, he is designing an entire green city for China which is expected to be built by 2020. Green projects seek to alleviate major air pollution problems and urban heat island effects in Chinese cities. Check out the full article here.

The hidden threat of Kenya’s worsening drought

Kenya is suffering from a devastating drought. Their longest watercourse, Tana River, now holds only one-fifth of its water compared to 50 years ago, contributing to water shortages. There are many drivers to the problem including poor water resource management and ecosystem degradation. Check out the full article here.

Opinion

Three experts reflect on climate change, cities, and the need to scale up green infrastructure

Experts from the Clean Air Partnership, University of Maryland and green infrastructure research network discuss climate change challenges in North American cities and the use of green infrastructure. Check out their opinions here.

Scientific CornerReconsider the impact of trees on water cycles and climate

The research paper ‘Trees, forests and water: Cool insights for a hot world’ suggests that the direct effects of trees on climate through rainfall and cooling may be more important than their capacity of storing carbon. The study concludes that trees play an important role for food security and climate change adaptation by redistributing water. Check out the full journal paper here.

Upcoming EventsGrey to Green Conference

The Grey to Green Conference, which will explore the performance, economic valuation, design policy and technology of green infrastructure worldwide, is going to take place in Toronto, Canada from 08-10 May 2017. Registration for early bird rates is available until 08 April 2017. Check out details here.